Unlike many movies, “Transcendence” boldly and bluntly expresses a singular theme, instead of tiptoeing around sensitive ideas in an attempt to seem multifaceted or overly intelligent.

While the quality of “Transcendence’s” actual cinematic elements is debatable, there is no doubt writer Jack Paglen has offered an extremely thought-provoking premise. However, an excellent story is only part of what makes a good movie, and, conversely, “Transcendence” lacks in terms of pacing and actor quality.

Firmly rooted in science-fiction, yet still plausible in today’s technology-centric world, Paglen has presented the audience with a smart, argumentative script. Dr. Will Caster, played by Johnny Depp, is a pioneer in the world of artificial intelligence, but when an anti-technology terrorist group tries to kill him, Caster agrees to let his wife, Evelyn, and co-worker Max Waters upload his conscience to the internet in order to create the most sophisticated AI ever created. Evelyn and Waters are played by Rebecca Hall and Paul Bettany, respectively.

Ultimately, “Transcendence” asks us whether technology is helpful to the human race, or will it eventually take over our humanity? The movie is effective in presenting both sides of the issue, with Caster representing both technology’s potential, such as healing the sick and cleaning the environment, and its detrimental effects on humanity.

Depp is strong, as usual, in his role, portraying a raw, synthetic version of Caster, as well as the character pre-AI. In particular, his performance at the film’s conclusion is noteworthy for his believability and emotional draw. Hall, however, is unfortunately wooden and weak compared to Depp; Hall’s most emotional scenes, such as when she must assumingly kill her husband in the movie’s second act, is noticeably dull and unconvincing.

Kate Mara, who plays the movie’s main antagonist, Bree, is a decent choice for the role, as Mara offers a deceivingly menacing performance. Morgan Freeman and Cillian Murphy help round out the cast, offering nothing more than solid supporting roles. Having Hall as a decidedly weak link is unfortunate, as “Transcendence” otherwise offers a serviceable, well-rounded cast.

The movie should be faulted for its slower first and second acts. It simply takes too much time for the real crux of the movie, the difference between “real” and “fake” humanity, to present itself. As such, some pivotal scenes aren’t given enough time to play out; as a result, many emotional moments don’t land as they should.

One of these moments turn out to be quite important in the movie’s third act, which makes this diluted pace even more unfortunate. Despite this flaw, the film’s final 40 minutes are paced much more effectively, allowing the movie’s climax to build to a tense, emotional finale.

While not as structurally sound as its script, “Transcendence” is a science-fiction story of epic proportions. Offering solid debate on the topic of artificial intelligence and its impact on humanity, “Transcendence” is eerily applicable to today’s society. With relatively basic virtual intelligences available today, such as Apple’s Siri or Microsoft’s Cortana, one can’t help but apply “Transcendence’s” message to the current state of technology.

With that perspective, “Transcendence” doesn’t seem too farfetched, making it as much a social commentary as a technological one. No matter its flaws, however, “Transcendence” is worth the admission price, as it is thought-provoking.

Grade: B